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Sharks' Torres apologizes for hit on Ducks' Silfverberg

San Jose Sharks forward Raffi Torres apologized Thursday for an illegal hit that resulted in him being suspended for 41 games by the NHL Department of Player Safety.

The suspension was assessed to Torres on Oct. 5 because of interference and an illegal check to the head against the Anaheim Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg during a preseason game Oct. 3.

"I accept the 41-game suspension handed down to me by the NHL's Department of Player Safety," Torres said. "I worked extremely hard over the last two years following reconstructive knee surgery to resume my NHL career, and this is the last thing I wanted to happen. I am disappointed I have put myself in a position to be suspended again. I sincerely apologize to Jakob for the hit that led to this suspension, and I'm extremely thankful that he wasn't seriously injured as a result of the play. I also want to apologize to my Sharks teammates and the organization."

Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said: "The Sharks organization fully supports the NHL's supplementary discipline decision regarding Raffi. While we do not believe there was any malicious intent, this type of hit is unacceptable and has no place in our game. There is a difference between playing hard and crossing the line and there is no doubt, in this instance, Raffi crossed that line. We're very thankful that Jakob was not seriously injured as a result of this play."